Commission debates constitutional provisions excluding Bahamians from casino gambling. The Commission will report to the government March, 2013. Pictured: Members of the Commission at the Colonial Hilton Hotel November 23, 2012. (BIS Photo/Elcott Coleby)

Former permanent secretary Thelma Beneby is the secretary to the Commission. She will be assisted by Annie Lloyd, Darron Henfield, Sonobia Smith, and Veronica Frazer.

The issue as to whether the constitutional provisions dealing with the exclusion of Bahamians from casino gambling should be repealed “is a matter which will be considered by the Commission,” said McWeeney.

The Prime Minister recently said that casino gambling was not going to be included in the gambling referendum because it was a matter that he would prefer to be dealt with by the Commission as one of the exceptions to the provisions against discrimination.

Various members of the commission have indicated that they would also want the Commission to deal with this matter, said the chairman.

McWeeney confirmed that the Commission remains on track to report by the end of March 2013.

That will allow sufficient time for Cabinet and Parliament to deal with legislation for constitutional reform prior to the 40th anniversary of Independence in June.